Why It’s Great

Cherry Chocolate Chip Heaven Muffins strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The juicy cherries add a refreshing burst of sweetness, while the rich chocolate chips provide a luxurious depth. These muffins are not only simple to make but also versatile, allowing you to use fresh, frozen, or dried cherries based on what’s available. With just the right hint of sweetness, they’re sure to become a family favorite among both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven:

   Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or giving it a light spritz of nonstick spray.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Prepare the wet ingredients:

   In another bowl, beat together the egg, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Combine the mixtures:

   Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to muffins that are dense rather than fluffy.

5. Fold in the add-ins:

   Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped maraschino cherries, trying to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

6. Fill the muffin tin:

   Using a spoon, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter.

7. Bake:

   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the tops are slightly golden and firm to the touch.

8. Cool and serve:

   Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best experience!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These muffins are delightful when served warm with a dab of butter or simply enjoyed as is! They make a fantastic addition to breakfast spreads or can serve as a delicious afternoon snack alongside coffee or tea.
• Storage: To keep your muffins fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!

Helpful Notes

• Cherries: Fresh, frozen, or dried cherries all work wonderfully in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
• Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, it’s easy to make a quick substitute! Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into ½ cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
• Add-ins: Get creative! You can add a variety of mix-ins such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to ramp up the flavor profile of your muffins.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! Dried cherries can work very well in this recipe. Just soak them in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes before adding them to the batter to help rehydrate them.

2. Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these delicious muffins.

3. How do I prevent the muffins from being too dense?

To keep your muffins light and airy, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix the ingredients until just combined and be gentle when folding in the cherries and chocolate chips.

4. Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to replace the cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to explore different flavor combinations.

5. How can I make the muffins extra moist?

Using buttermilk is a great way to ensure your muffins stay moist. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for that extra touch of moisture.